In a tragic event near the Mexican-Guatemalan border, six migrants from Egypt, Peru, and El Salvador were shot dead by Mexican army troops. President Claudia Sheinbaum called the incident “deplorable” and confirmed an investigation is underway. Ten additional migrants were wounded, leading to urgent calls for accountability and an investigation from the affected nations’ governments, particularly Peru. The incident has reignited discussions around the militarization of immigration policies in Mexico.
In a tragic incident near the Guatemalan border, six migrants from Egypt, Peru, and El Salvador lost their lives when Mexican army troops opened fire on a truck transporting them. President Claudia Sheinbaum described the event as “deplorable,” and it marks a serious incident of violence against migrants under government authority. The shooting, which left ten additional migrants wounded, has prompted immediate calls for an investigation, particularly from Peru’s Foreign Ministry, which confirmed one of its citizens was killed and demanded an urgent inquiry. The two soldiers who fired upon the truck have been taken into custody for questioning by civilian authorities, although they have yet to be charged with any offenses. This incident is the worst killing of migrants by police or military forces in Mexico since a similar occurrence in 2021, which resulted in the deaths of 17 migrants in Tamaulipas. According to preliminary reports from the Mexican Defense Department, the soldiers came under fire as they spotted a convoy of three trucks; however, the specifics remain unclear. Following the incident, local prosecutors confirmed that all deceased migrants died from gunshot wounds. It is still uncertain whether the military’s gunfire was responsible for their deaths. Although the Defense Department suggested that no weapons were found within the migrants’ vehicle, critics argue that such claims lack credibility, given the nature of these operations. This latest tragedy has reignited discussions around the militarization of immigration policies in Mexico, referred to by the Mexican Council of Bishops as “a disproportionate use of lethal force.” Notably, President Sheinbaum’s administration continues to face scrutiny for granting the military extensive powers in law enforcement, mirroring previous policies under former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador.
The shooting incident occurred in Huixtla, Chiapas, a region noted for its historical challenges concerning migrant smuggling and the presence of drug trafficking organizations. Such incidents are not unprecedented; previous shootings involving Mexican armed forces against migrant vehicles have occurred, raising serious concerns about human rights violations and the militarization of immigration enforcement within the country. The Mexican government has faced criticism and protests regarding its treatment of migrants, particularly as violence against them increases amid heightened military and police presence at the southern border. This shooting reflects ongoing systemic issues within migration policy and law enforcement practices that demand urgent reforms and accountability.
In conclusion, the senseless loss of lives underscores the critical need for a reassessment of military involvement in immigration policies in Mexico. The urgent calls for investigations and potential accountability for the involved military personnel reflect not only the gravity of this incident but also the broader implications for migrant rights in the country. The global community is keenly observing the government’s response to ensure that justice prevails and similar tragedies are prevented in the future.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
